What I learnt about the limits of my endurance from this amazing 100km trail run
In 2023, I took on the challenge of the Blackall 100km trail run. Looking back, my decision to sign up for this event seemed rather impulsive! It was a decision fueled by a romanticized vision of crossing the finish line. As with all spur-of-the-moment decisions, there were bound to be repercussions. Five minutes after my entry was submitted, the reality hit me - I had committed to train for and complete a 100km trail race, with over 3000m of elevation.
During training, and even more so during the race, I was tempted to quit numerous times. The urge was particularly strong when I rolled my ankle at the 15km mark. Yet, I persevered and managed to ring/kiss the renowned finishers bell, a few hours shy of the cut-off time.
This journey, though demanding, instilled in me invaluable insights about the art of endurance - the essence of my long-standing passion for long-distance events. This brief, albeit self-indulgent reflection, served as the lens through which I could reevaluate my passion. Running long distances, just like all long-term commitments, require resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.
In your endurance events, as I discovered in the Blackall 100, there will be obstacles to overcome. You will struggle with physical exhaustion, become disheartened, or face personal issues that will affect your performance. As endurance athletes, it's our job to find a way through these challenges, just as I guided myself through the pain and fatigue needed to overcome the unrelenting Blackall range.
This experience reinforced my belief in Stoicism, a philosophy I've long admired and incorporated into my endurance practices. Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control and let go of what we can't. It's about understanding that our reactions to events are often more important than the events themselves.
In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." This quote encapsulates the essence of my trail run experience and my approach to endurance. It's not about avoiding obstacles but learning how to overcome them. It's about harnessing the power of our minds to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
You don't have to run a 100km trail to discover the potential of your mind. Every day, in endurance events and beyond, we encounter situations that test our resilience and determination. It's in these moments that we have the opportunity to educate ourselves, to learn more about who we are and what we're capable of.
This trail run was more than just a physical challenge. It was a journey of self-discovery and a testament to the power of the human mind. It reminded me of why I became an endurance athlete in the first place - to help myself navigate my own trails, overcome my obstacles, and discover my potential. Seneca said, "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." Let's dare to challenge ourselves, in endurance events and on the trail. The journey may be tough, but the lessons we learn along the way are worth every step.
Click on the following link to follow the program that I used to train for this amazing race.